Eddie Griffin Hello, Nation of Islam? I Need Black People Lighting, Stat!!!

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UPDATE

11:33 AM PT -- Stress Factory owner Vinnie Brand tells us the club's main circuit breaker went down during Eddie's 7:00 PM show, which cut the lights and audio -- but they reset it and Eddie finished the gig. 

UPDATE

But, when Eddie came on for his second show the breaker tripped again. Brand says Griffin went on his rant while they were trying to reset it again, and bolted from the club without finishing his set. 

UPDATE

Brand adds, Eddie's "unfortunate statements about them [being racist] are not true. This was just an act of God ... a freak accident that happened."

Eddie Griffin's got beef with a famous NJ comedy club, because for him ... rule number one when booking black comedians in your club is make sure you can LIGHT said black comedians!!!

Eddie was onstage Friday night at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick when he said enough is enough ... and ripped into management for what he considered inferior lighting and sound.

This clip is from his 9:45 PM headlining show, but witnesses tell us he'd stormed out earlier ... immediately after his 7:00 PM gig. We're told he was angry about some technical malfunctions during the set -- so when he came back for the second show he couldn't hold back.

The good news for the crowd is he turned it into big laughs ... even if they couldn't see him.

Now, we don't know the club's side of the story yet ... we've reached out to management. Eddie definitely put 'em on notice during his act -- which included him pretending to call in the Nation of Islam to help the club find skin-appropriate lighting.

You've heard about the Stress Factory -- even if you're not in Jersey -- because this is where Pete Davidson blasted a customer for heckling him about Ariana Grande and Kate Beckinsale.

It's also where Margaret Cho pissed off the crowd by going off about white people ... and rape.

Come for the laughs ... stay for the anger???

Originally published -- 8:19 AM PT

Justin & Hailey Bieber Wedding Ceremony is for God ... Says Stephen Baldwin

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Justin and Hailey Bieber want their formal wedding celebration to be a religious affair because they feel bringing God into their marriage will make their union stronger ... this according to Stephen Baldwin.

Stephen was on his way to the New York State Fair -- where he's launching a new initiative for veterans called Ready Vets Go -- when he filled us in on the motives behind his daughter and the Biebs' formal wedding party.

Justin's father-in-law says the happy couple understands weddings and marriages are supposed to be a holy commitment, and they feel a religious ceremony will go a long way towards finding peace and happiness together.

Stephen says he's proud of Justin for taking some time away from music to be a family man ... and he feels JB has made leaps and bounds in the past year as far as making sure he's spending time with Hailey and having a blast.

Justin and Hailey enjoyed a fancy lunch together Thursday at E Baldi ... so ya can't argue with Stephen, they're definitely having fun!

As we first reported ... Justin and Hailey are going to say their "I dos" again in a place they've fallen for ... South Carolina ... and they recently sent out their save the dates. Hailey's dad tells us they're still deciding between a couple venues.

Justin sang in front of his church earlier this week in Bev Hills ... and Stephen says Justin and Hailey's church friends will be at the ceremony, along with tons of celebs.

Ryan Russell My NFL Friends Are Showing Me Love ... Waiting For My Next Shot

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Ryan Russell
FEELIN' THE LOVE

Ryan Russell says he's been getting nothing but support from NFL circles since announcing he's bisexual ... and the pass rusher is hungry for his next opportunity on the gridiron.

We got Ryan and his boyfriend Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, holding hands and heading for a bite at Urth Caffe ... the day after he made his sexual preferences public.

The former Cowboys draft pick tells us he's been hearing from his former coaches and teammates in Dallas and Tampa Bay ... and the feedback on his sexual identity is all positive.

Acceptance and tolerance are good news for Ryan ... sounds like the NFL free agent would be welcomed into a locker room with open arms, no matter which of the 32 franchises takes a shot on the three-year vet.

As for his next move ... Ryan says the plan is still to play football, even though training camps just broke, and he's working out and staying ready in case his phone rings.

Russell sat out all of last season with a shoulder injury after playing in a combined 23 games with the Cowboys and Buccaneers in his first 3 years in the NFL.

Check out the clip ... Ryan sounds healthy in mind and body as he awaits his next shot.

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

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Dave Chappelle's comedy special is amazing, but he's getting mixed reviews for going after Michael Jackson's accusers, and the big mystery -- did Judge Mathis spit on a valet? So, we gotta ask ...

Orlando Bloom Popped with Speeding Ticket Bombing Through Bev Hills

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Orlando Bloom was allegedly hauling ass through a quiet neighborhood when he got busted for speeding ... and he had his young son in the car.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Orlando was caught going over 60 MPH in a 25 MPH zone around 9:30 PM last Friday night in his Porsche in the flats of Beverly Hills.

We're told Orlando zoomed past a motor unit, so police lit him up and pulled him over ... the 'Pirates of The Caribbean' star was not happy about getting cited, but he was cordial with cops throughout the stop and then sent on his way.

Orlando was with the 8-year-old son he shares with ex-wife Miranda Kerr. We're told his fiancee, Katy Perry, was not in the whip.

It still rings true ... motor cops don't care who you are -- generally.

Ric Flair My Wife's The Reason I'm Alive ... '100 Percent'

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Ric Flair
HELPFUL WIFE, HEALTHY LIFE

Ric Flair says his wife, Wendy Barlow, is "100 percent" the reason The Nature Boy is alive today ... telling TMZ Sports, "She's responsible for all of it."

Ric's had some close calls when it comes to his health the last few years ... he was on death's doorstep in 2017 and just a few months ago he needed a heart procedure to keep his ticker going.

Flair says the docs obviously did a great job piecing him together ... but tells us Wendy truly deserves all the credit for getting him back to being a jet flyin' son of a gun!!

"Doctors 20, her 80," Flair says of Wendy ... "No, 90-10. She's responsible for all of it."

As for how he's feeling now, after the heart procedure in May, Naitch tells us he's doing great ... saying, "Best I've been in 10 years!"

By the way, we also talked to Ric about Taylor Swift's new song, "The Man," and ya gotta hear why Flair has some issues with it.

Hint: As Wendy says, "Ya gotta beat the man to be the man!"

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Babes On Jet Skis Hit The Gas!

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Celebs have a need for speed ... and swimsuits!!!

From models to singers and everyone in between there are plenty of famous faces ready to take you on a wet & wild ride.

Make sure you're hangin' on because we are about to blast through all the sexy snaps these water babes have been flooding the feed with! Grab a life vest and get ready to journey through our gallery of babes on jet skis ... Take a good look at all the sexy stars gearing up to ride out the rest of the season.

Talk about makin' a splash!!!

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

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Don't let these two almost identical images of Niecy Nash steal your thunder! Take back the crown by putting your skills to the test and figuring out what sneaky switches have been made to this pic!

Nash was recently photographed rocking a crown and sash for herself at the Black Girls Rock! award show in Newark, New Jersey. We've made a few changes to the photo above which means it's your time to shine! Earn yourself a title by seeing if you can figure out the differences between these two super similar snaps!

**HINT -- There are THREE differences in the above photographs!**

Bam Margera Rehab's Going Great ... Got a Visit From 'Jackass' Buds!!!

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Bam Margera
BACK IN GOOD SPIRITS

Bam Margera says he got some very special visitors at the rehab facility where he's getting treatment -- namely, a show of support from Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville!!!

We got Bam leaving Antonio's on Melrose Friday, and he said he'd just finished having lunch with one of his rehab sponsors. Don't worry ... we're told he washed down his Mexican food with a Sprite.

Bam told our guy treatment is going great, thanks in part, to all the support he's getting from his "Jackass" costars. He says they recently paid him a visit down in Orange County.

It's good to see Bam looking healthy ... as we reported, he landed in the hospital shortly after beginning his third stint this month in rehab -- but he assured fans he would be just fine. Bam said he had edema, swelling in the body caused by blood vessels leaking fluid into tissue.

Bam did tell us he's totally down to make more 'Jackass' movies once he's healthy again -- but he says there is one slight holdup outside of his issues.

Sirhan Sirhan RFK Assassin Stabbed in Prison

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Sirhan Sirhan, the man who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy, was stabbed in a California State prison Friday, and the attack is so severe he's been removed from the prison for treatment.

Sources at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility tell TMZ Sirhan was assaulted Friday afternoon around 2:30 PM in one of the prison yards. Law enforcement sources tell us correctional officers at the prison in San Diego County responded and found Sirhan with stab wounds.

We're told he was transported to an outside hospital for medical care, and is currently in stable condition.

Our sources say the suspect in the assault on Sirhan has been identified and has been placed in isolation. We're told an investigation has been launched to determine if charges will be filed.

Sirhan assassinated RFK during a Presidential campaign rally in 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He fired the deadly shots from a .22 caliber revolver moments after the candidate had been spoken to supporters.

Among the men who subdued and disarmed Sirhan on the scene were Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, former pro football player Rosey Grier, and authors George Plimpton, Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill.

Sirhan was later convicted of murder and sentenced to death, but three years later, his sentence was commuted to life in prison.

Other notable inmates housed at R.J. Donovan include Suge Knight, Erik and Lyle Menendez, Jesse James Hollywood and Manson Family member Tex Watson.

Valerie Harper Dead at 80

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Valerie Harper -- who starred on the classic sitcoms including "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Rhoda" and "Valerie" -- is dead.

Valerie died Friday morning ... and while a cause of death has not been released, she's had tons of health issues over the years.

Harper was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and then, after beating that, announced in 2013 she had terminal brain cancer.

Doctors said she only had three months to live after the brain cancer diagnosis, but she responded well to treatment and actually competed on "Dancing With the Stars" later that year.

As we reported ... Valerie was rushed to a hospital in 2015 after suffering a medical emergency during a performance of a musical in Maine.

Valerie was born in New York and she enjoyed a successful career on Broadway before she landed the role of Rhoda on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which then led to the spin-off show "Rhoda."

She came back to television several years later on the show "Valerie," but left after two seasons.

Harper also won four Emmys and one Golden Globe for her various roles.

Valerie was 80.

RIP

J Lo & A-Rod Sued You Hit Me With Your SUV!!!

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Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez were riding in a SUV when it allegedly bowled over a man in an L.A. alleyway ... at least according to a lawsuit he's filed against the superstar couple.

In the docs obtained by TMZ ... Liyanage Perera claims he was walking behind an eatery off Melrose Ave last October when he was hit by the Cadillac SUV in which A-Rod and J Lo were passengers.

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MOMENT OF IMPACT

He doesn't name the restaurant in the suit, but we believe it was Craig's, because we have this video of their SUV striking a paparazzo.

In the suit, Liyanage claims he was seriously injured and he's going after the singer and baseball player to cover medical expenses, plus damages. The suit makes no mention of Liyanage's profession.

Liyanage admits A-Rod and J Lo were not behind the wheel, but in the suit he claims they failed to instruct their security team to be careful as they pulled away from the restaurant. He also points out they didn't stop to check on him ... or as he puts it ... "they quickly fled the scene."

As we reported at the time, Liyanage had a report with the Sheriff's Dept., but no criminal charges were ever filed. Law enforcement sources told us pedestrians are not allowed to block a vehicle by standing in front of it, and drivers are permitted to creep forward.

We've reached out to reps for A-Rod and J Lo ... but no word back yet.

Tyler Skaggs Died From Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Booze ... Choked on Vomit

Published
UPDATE

3:44 PM PT -- The Angels just reacted to the Skaggs autopsy ... saying, "Tyler was and always will be a beloved member of the Angels Family and we are deeply saddened to learn what caused this tragic death."

UPDATE

The Halos continue ... "Angels Baseball has provided our full cooperation and assistance to the Southlake Police as they conduct their investigation."

MLB star Tyler Skaggs died in a Texas hotel room from a deadly mix of booze, fentanyl and oxycodone ... according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner.

In the toxicology report released Friday, the ME's report lists the cause of death for the Angels pitcher as a mix of "alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone intoxication with terminal aspiration of gastric contents." In other words, Skaggs choked on his own vomit while under the influence.

The report says his death has been ruled an accident.

It's interesting, the autopsy says, when Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room, he was "clothed in black denim jeans, a black belt with white metal decorations and decorated white buckle, red boxer shorts, black socks and dark brown western boots." The description sounds a lot like what Skaggs was wearing on the team plane, when the Angels dressed in western gear as they flew from California to Texas on June 30.

As we reported ... Tyler was found dead in his team hotel room July 1, when the Angels were in Texas to play the Rangers.

Tyler's family issued a statement Friday, inferring an Angels employee might have been involved in the tragic incident.

The Skaggs family says ... “We are heartbroken to learn that the passing of our beloved Tyler was the result of a combination of dangerous drugs and alcohol. That is completely out of character for someone who worked so hard to become a Major League baseball player and had a very promising future in the game he loved so much."

The statement continues ... “We are grateful for the work of the detectives in the Southlake Police Department and their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death. We were shocked to learn that it may involve an employee of the Los Angeles Angels. We will not rest until we learn the truth about how Tyler came into possession of these narcotics, including who supplied them. To that end, we have hired attorney Rusty Hardin to assist us.”

Tyler's death sent shockwaves through MLB ... and the Angels tossed a combined no-hitter in their first home game after his passing.

His wife, Carli, gave a heartfelt tribute to the late pitcher during his private funeral.

Tyler was 27.

Originally Published -- 1:12 PM PT

'The Real Tarzann' Claims Self-Defense in Battery Case ... Fitted with Ankle Monitor

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The guy known as "The Real Tarzann" to millions on YouTube will now be tracked by law enforcement after his arrest for burglary and battery ... which he claims was actually self-defense.

Michael Holston was arraigned Friday in Miami on felony charges of burglary with battery and battery. Holston entered a plea of not guilty and the judge ordered him to stay away from his alleged victim, and wear a GPS ankle monitor.

TMZ broke the story ... Holston -- who produces viral videos of himself playing with chimps, lions, snakes and many other animals -- was arrested earlier this month. According to police, he beat the hell out of a guy who showed up at his home.

Cops say they got into an argument and, as you might expect, Tarzann got the best of him ... punching the guy several times in the face and body. Holston allegedly lunged inside a car to continue hitting the guy when he tried to call police.

He's also accused of punching a friend of the alleged victim who tried to help.

However, Holston's attorney, Brian Bieber (no relation) tells TMZ ... his client was only protecting himself. Bieber claims the alleged victim had posted videos threatening Holston ... including at least one where he was armed with a rifle. Bieber says Holston was only defending himself because he recognized the alleged victim from the social media post.

Holston was released on $10k bond. Bieber tells us the alleged victim deleted the threatening post after Holston's arrest, but he has a copy of it which he's submitting to prosecutors.

A-Rod Sheds Hollywood Hills Bachelor Pad ... I'm with J Lo Now!!!

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Alex Rodriguez has no need for a baller bachelor pad after his engagement to Jennifer Lopez -- but he can always use a few million bucks ... which is why he just sold off his Hollywood Hills crib.

Our real estate sources tell us A-Rod is closing the deal Friday to sell the 3,700 sq. ft. home for $4.4 million -- and the new owner got themselves a very unique home with a serious celebrity pedigree.

Alex bought the house from Meryl Streep back in 2014. It's known as the Honnold & Rex Research House because it was originally part of an architectural research program in the 1950s.

The stylish Hills hideaway -- photographed by Anthony Barcelo -- comes with awesome outdoor living space and some killer city views. We're told Jason Oppenheim from The Oppenheim Group -- and the Netflix series "Selling Sunset" -- repped the buyer and Carl Gambino from Westside Estate Agency repped A-Rod.

We're not saying Alex is on to bigger and better -- but he IS living with J Lo now.

Change is good.

Lil Nas X Keep the Horses in Back ... I'm Strictly a 'Panini' Man Now!!!

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FORGET OLD TOWN ROAD ...

Lil Nas X is doing everything he can to change his tune, so don't even TRY to talk to him about the biggest #1 song of all time -- 'cause if you do, he's got a one-word answer for you.

We got Lil Nas Thursday night outside NYC's Soho Grand Hotel and asked him about securing a CMA nomination this week for "Old Town Road." You'd think it's kind of a big deal -- getting a nod for Musical Event of the Year ... especially considering the country music industry hasn't exactly embraced his monster hit.

But, check out the clip ... Lil Nas seemed to downplay the achievement.

As for why the man who just had the #1 song in the country for a record-setting 19 weeks doesn't wanna talk about it? Seems he's fully on to the next. Watch the clip and count how many times he says "Panini" ... his follow-up track to "Old Town Road."

Fact is, no one sets out to be a one-hit wonder, and LNX is working overtime to make sure he doesn't end up in that category. We've got 2 words for him: smart businessman.

And, there's a shout-out here for Joe Jonas. Sorry Joe, you're gonna have to do a different remix if ya wanna get with Lil Nas.